Breaking Micra K11 news!!!

[epicrafter924]

Nothing really to say except for quite a sad fact ;( EVERY SINGLE year there is around 8000-12000 less Micra k11s on the road (yes that means we are losing on average 25 a day) Just 5-10 years ago they seemed MUCH more abundant then they are now (though testimony to their reliability I still see quite a decent amount of them, especially in London). Nevertheless, I've recently started tracking their figures plus looking at data from a few years back and as recently as 2018 there were over 80000 of them registered and probably roaming the streets (not 100% sure if this included SORNed ones) however in 2019 this dropped to I believe around 65000-70000 with around 50000 of them being taxed and registered to drive (not SORNed), as of 2020 this dropped to 40000 in driving condition and the most recent data shows that by the end of 2021 just over 30000 licensed Micra's are actively driving on our streets (plus many SORNed ones). This is ESPECIALLY important as it means we need to get serious about conserving as many Micra's as possible and ensuring they start ending up in the right hands, though albeit they may be reliable minus some rust and poor maintenance related issues at this rate of disposal/export they could still rapidly become (or be at risk of becoming) an endangered species in the UK within just the next few years. The good news is that from what I see its almost never mechanical issues (instead rust, improper maintenance/exploitation, major defects, emissions fails, bad luck, wear and tear, general mot fails, costly repairs etc. killing them off). Hope this opened the eyes of particularly hardcore Micra fans and has given us a reality check about how this ain't no joke anymore. Correct me if i'm wrong but from what I've noticed it seems that at least 50% of Micra owners tend to be young lads beginning their driving career or elderly pensioners close to ending their driving career or if not that then they are middle aged female drivers. The pre-facelift ones have seen a massive dip in abundance IMO however on a positive note based on available data the Micra K11 survival rate is pretty neat (approx. 20-25% of them soldier on after 20 years with an average scrapping age of i'd say 17-18 years however the mk1 Yaris fares better at around 25-50% still roaming the streets after 20 years however they both dominate compared to most other cars). Here is enough info that EVERYONE fascinated with Nissan Micra's should know, LONG LIVE THE ABSOLUTELY BOMBPROOF-RELIABLE NISSAN MICRA K11!!! Btw reference websites for the data include CarLogBook, How Many Left plus a few Micra K11 related articles and webpages...

 

[Micra Paul]

E

 

[Scorsagian]

Nothing really to say except for quite a sad fact ;( EVERY SINGLE year there is around 8000-12000 less Micra k11s on the road (yes that means we are losing on average 25 a day) Just 5-10 years ago they seemed MUCH more abundant then they are now (though testimony to their reliability I still see quite a decent amount of them, especially in London). Nevertheless, I've recently started tracking their figures plus looking at data from a few years back and as recently as 2018 there were over 80000 of them registered and probably roaming the streets (not 100% sure if this included SORNed ones) however in 2019 this dropped to I believe around 65000-70000 with around 50000 of them being taxed and registered to drive (not SORNed), as of 2020 this dropped to 40000 in driving condition and the most recent data shows that by the end of 2021 just over 30000 licensed Micra's are actively driving on our streets (plus many SORNed ones). This is ESPECIALLY important as it means we need to get serious about conserving as many Micra's as possible and ensuring they start ending up in the right hands, though albeit they may be reliable minus some rust and poor maintenance related issues at this rate of disposal/export they could still rapidly become (or be at risk of becoming) an endangered species in the UK within just the next few years. The good news is that from what I see its almost never mechanical issues (instead rust, improper maintenance/exploitation, major defects, emissions fails, bad luck, wear and tear, general mot fails, costly repairs etc. killing them off). Hope this opened the eyes of particularly hardcore Micra fans and has given us a reality check about how this ain't no joke anymore. Correct me if i'm wrong but from what I've noticed it seems that at least 50% of Micra owners tend to be young lads beginning their driving career or elderly pensioners close to ending their driving career or if not that then they are middle aged female drivers. The pre-facelift ones have seen a massive dip in abundance IMO however on a positive note based on available data the Micra K11 survival rate is pretty neat (approx. 20-25% of them soldier on after 20 years with an average scrapping age of i'd say 17-18 years however the mk1 Yaris fares better at around 25-50% still roaming the streets after 20 years however they both dominate compared to most other cars). Here is enough info that EVERYONE fascinated with Nissan Micra's should know, LONG LIVE THE ABSOLUTELY BOMBPROOF-RELIABLE NISSAN MICRA K11!!! Btw reference websites for the data include CarLogBook, How Many Left plus a few Micra K11 related articles and webpages...

Funny enough, i think I have an obsession with how many of these cars are still on the road. Sadly, I agree with you.
I have been checking most of the ones for sale every day for the last couple of years.
I have noticed that around two thirds to three quarters of the one for sale have either some sort of rust issue coming or have been welded.
Sadly, I have concluded that within say three to four years, there will only be a quarter to a third of the number of micra k11's that we have now. I really hope I am wrong though.

r

 

[epicrafter924]

Funny enough, i think I have an obsession with how many of these cars are still on the road. Sadly, I agree with you.
I have been checking most of the ones for sale every day for the last couple of years.
I have noticed that around two thirds to three quarters of the one for sale have either some sort of rust issue coming or have been welded.
Sadly, I have concluded that within say three to four years, there will only be a quarter to a third of the number of micra k11's that we have now. I really hope I am wrong though.

r

Yup, that's why Micra owners should start investing in them and spending that bit extra money or effort to keep them going rather than scrapping or exporting them if a few things 'too much' go wrong since mechanically they are often perfectly fine despite otherwise being in poor shape. Besides I was upset to see a few members of this very Micra-dedicated website disposing of their Micra's due to them e.g. failing an mot on quite a few things. I think even rust issues can be properly solved if you just replace a panel altogether if possible.

 

[Scorsagian]

Yup, that's why Micra owners should start investing in them and spending that bit extra money or effort to keep them going rather than scrapping or exporting them if a few things 'too much' go wrong since mechanically they are often perfectly fine despite otherwise being in poor shape. Besides I was upset to see a few members of this very Micra-dedicated website disposing of their Micra's due to them e.g. failing an mot on quite a few things. I think even rust issues can be properly solved if you just replace a panel altogether if possible.

I agree. It really does not take much to keep an k11 on the road. All people have to do is get some rust proofer in the sill and cross member and these cars will last for ever but many don't know this and it is the rust here that ends up finishing most of them.

 

[Mushepea]

I've just been to a scrap yard near Wigan after a new wing and some other bits and they have 2 face-lift k11 micras in and one pre face-lift, all 3 door. Manual windows. very good prices if you get the parts off yourself.
If anyone needs parts it's Gadbury Auto Salvage, 01942 874144.

 

[epicrafter924]

I've just been to a scrap yard near Wigan after a new wing and some other bits and they have 2 face-lift k11 micras in and one pre face-lift, all 3 door. Manual windows. very good prices if you get the parts off yourself.
If anyone needs parts it's Gadbury Auto Salvage, 01942 874144.

Just curious about those Micra's that you saw at the scrap yard, would you say that they were in bad shape? Do u think they could still be on the road if someone put a little work in or were they all battered up/rusted/ruined and likely beyond 'reasonable' repair?

 

[Micra Paul]

924

Informative academic write up on K11 longevity reinforcing my experience as I have been exclusively running old banger K10s & K11s since 1997.

I am now on my sixth Micra in 25 years having bought the cheapest one for £80 that I used for three years, & my present ride for £500 six years ago with 35K miles, FSH & two owners with no problems whatever.

Cheap as chips reliable motoring with only simple hands on routine DIY maintenance & no surprises, they all just kept on going out & about when the Sun is out, that’s what it was built for.

How could I do it cheaper or better?

 

[Mushepea]

Just curious about those Micra's that you saw at the scrap yard, would you say that they were in bad shape? Do u think they could still be on the road if someone put a little work in or were they all battered up/rusted/ruined and likely beyond 'reasonable' repair?

The one I got the wings off was rotted through the main chassis underneath. It could've been welded up but that would cost more than the cars worth. It looked pretty good on top and inside, just rusty below.
If anyone knows any scrap yards in leeds/bradfordd area with k11s in please let me know, especially face-lift in colour Z01 Lazuli Blue. I got 1 good wing and one that's fibreglass repairable, but would prefer a rust free driver side wing if I can find one.

 

[nesty]

A good write up, I still see quite a few on the road, though tend to be coilpack versions.

Last year sadly I had to send one to the scrapyard in the sky, as the CVT gearbox went, though been in the family from 2002.

I have 2 facelifts now both low mileage, aiming to keep them on the road for a while yet!

 

[MattInARedMicra]

Makes me sad thinking how many of them with decent parts still left on them will be sent to the crusher

They don't have quite the cult following of a lot of classic cars and I imagine a lot of the parts aren't being kept and resold in the same numbers, especially with so many of them disappearing so quickly as you say. Not a lot of storage space in the UK, I'd buy a bunch of them for spares if I had space to park them

I've been repairing the one I do have way past the point of it being economical and I plan on keeping it until I either run out of money or parts can't be bought for it any more

 

[Scorsagian]

Makes me sad thinking how many of them with decent parts still left on them will be sent to the crusher

They don't have quite the cult following of a lot of classic cars and I imagine a lot of the parts aren't being kept and resold in the same numbers, especially with so many of them disappearing so quickly as you say. Not a lot of storage space in the UK, I'd buy a bunch of them for spares if I had space to park them

I've been repairing the one I do have way past the point of it being economical and I plan on keeping it until I either run out of money or parts can't be bought for it any more

I agree, I think with 10,000 micra members , if everyone chipped in just a little, some land or something could be bought as a micra graveyard and members could go there and get all the spares they need for free. Just an idea.

 

[soyerpepe]

a partir de 2020, esto se redujo a 40000 en condiciones de conducción y los datos más recientes muestran que para fines de 2021, poco más de 30000 Micra con licencia están conduciendo activamente en nuestras calles (más muchos SORNed). Esto es ESPECIALMENTE importante ya que significa que debemos tomarnos en serio la conservación de tantos Micra como sea posible y asegurarnos de que comiencen a terminar en las manos adecuadas, aunque pueden ser confiables menos algunos problemas relacionados con el óxido y el mantenimiento deficiente a este ritmo de eliminación. exportación, podrían convertirse rápidamente (o correr el riesgo de convertirse) en una especie en peligro de extinción en el Reino Unido en los próximos años. La buena noticia es que, por lo que veo, casi nunca tiene problemas mecánicos. Esto es ESPECIALMENTE importante ya que significa que debemos tomarnos en serio la conservación de tantos Micra como sea posible y asegurarnos de que comiencen a terminar en las manos adecuadas, aunque pueden ser confiables menos algunos problemas relacionados con el óxido y el mantenimiento deficiente a este ritmo de eliminación. exportación, podrían convertirse rápidamente (o correr el riesgo de convertirse) en una especie en peligro de extinción en el Reino Unido en los próximos años. La buena noticia es que, por lo que veo, casi nunca tiene problemas mecánicos. Esto es ESPECIALMENTE importante ya que significa que debemos tomarnos en serio la conservación de tantos Micra como sea posible y asegurarnos de que comiencen a terminar en las manos adecuadas, aunque pueden ser confiables menos algunos problemas relacionados con el óxido y el mantenimiento deficiente a este ritmo de eliminación. exportación, podrían convertirse rápidamente (o correr el riesgo de convertirse) en una especie en peligro de extinción en el Reino Unido en los próximos años. La buena noticia es que, por lo que veo, casi nunca tiene problemas mecánicos. (en cambio, óxido, mantenimiento/explotación inadecuados, defectos importantes, fallas en las emisiones, mala suerte, desgaste, fallas generales en el motor, reparaciones costosas, etc., matándolos). Espero que esto haya abierto los ojos de los fanáticos particularmente incondicionales de Micra y nos haya dado una idea de cómo esto ya no es una broma. Corríjame si me equivoco, pero por lo que he notado, parece que al menos el 50% de los propietarios de Micra tienden a ser jóvenes que comienzan su carrera como conductores o jubilados mayores que están a punto de terminar su carrera como conductores o, si no es así, entonces son medianos. conductoras de edad avanzada. Los previos al estiramiento facial han visto una caída masiva en la abundancia, en mi opinión, sin embargo, en una nota positiva basada en los datos disponibles, la tasa de supervivencia de Micra K11 es bastante buena (aproximadamente el 20-25% de ellos se mantienen después de 20 años con una edad promedio de desguace de i' Diría que entre 17 y 18 años, sin embargo, al Yaris mk1 le va mejor con alrededor de un 25-50 % y sigue deambulando por las calles después de 20 años; sin embargo, ambos dominan en comparación con la mayoría de los otros autos). Aquí hay suficiente información que TODOS los fascinados con el Nissan Micra deben saber, ¡LARGA VIDA AL NISSAN MICRA K11 ABSOLUTAMENTE A PRUEBA DE BOMBAS! Por cierto, los sitios web de referencia para los datos incluyen CarLogBook, How Many Left más algunos artículos y páginas web relacionados con Micra K11...

Ok, estoy de acuerdo con todo lo que dices. Yo tengo otros 8 coches, todos más antiguos que el k 11. Yo tengo dos Super S, aquí en España
se compran a buen precio y el repuesto tambien es barato y aun facil de conseguir. Estoy muy contento con mis dos juguetes.
Si alguien del Club necesita algo que yo pueda ayudarle, pues me puede enviar un mensaje. Saludos a todos los aficionados.

 

[epicrafter924]

Makes me sad thinking how many of them with decent parts still left on them will be sent to the crusher

They don't have quite the cult following of a lot of classic cars and I imagine a lot of the parts aren't being kept and resold in the same numbers, especially with so many of them disappearing so quickly as you say. Not a lot of storage space in the UK, I'd buy a bunch of them for spares if I had space to park them

I've been repairing the one I do have way past the point of it being economical and I plan on keeping it until I either run out of money or parts can't be bought for it any more

That's the spirit!!! Anyway, yes parts is one thing but when you think about the actual car itself and the fact that in the right hands maybe with a bit of effort or spending the entire bloody thing could still potentially be operating instead of being likely left sitting abandoned or indeed being sent to the crusher is kinda what bothers me here.... ?? I wish there was a scheme or something where when a certain owner doesn't know what to do with their K11 Micra anymore they can perhaps just drop it off in a special place dedicated to these cars and get a couple hundred quid in return. Funny thing I'll admit is that despite not owning a K11 Micra myself nor ever having even sat in one yet in my life I am still very passionate about these cars and knowing that many are going off the road for in my opinion petty reasons unrelated to mechanical factors quite frankly pisses me off. However, luckily as seen here a thriving Micra community is a huge step in the right direction if we mean serious business about these bombproof cockroaches. For instance, I've seen on YouTube an 'everlasting' pre-facelift K11 Micra that is currently nearly 28 years old with at least 450,000 miles (720,000km) and counting going strong proving that it CAN be done, yes quite a few components were replaced or repaired but the car is nevertheless soldiering on. Hope your Micra runs forever, peace.

 

[3706mht]

That's the spirit!!! Anyway, yes parts is one thing but when you think about the actual car itself and the fact that in the right hands maybe with a bit of effort or spending the entire bloody thing could still potentially be operating instead of being likely left sitting abandoned or indeed being sent to the crusher is kinda what bothers me here.... ?? I wish there was a scheme or something where when a certain owner doesn't know what to do with their K11 Micra anymore they can perhaps just drop it off in a special place dedicated to these cars and get a couple hundred quid in return. Funny thing I'll admit is that despite not owning a K11 Micra myself nor ever having even sat in one yet in my life I am still very passionate about these cars and knowing that many are going off the road for in my opinion petty reasons unrelated to mechanical factors quite frankly pisses me off. However, luckily as seen here a thriving Micra community is a huge step in the right direction if we mean serious business about these bombproof cockroaches. For instance, I've seen on YouTube an 'everlasting' pre-facelift K11 Micra that is currently nearly 28 years old with at least 450,000 miles (720,000km) and counting going strong proving that it CAN be done, yes quite a few components were replaced or repaired but the car is nevertheless soldiering on. Hope your Micra runs forever, peace.

Would like to see that link. Very interesting.

Ours is a 94 pre facelift and just had it's normal MOT run this week. Lots of small normal gripes and at last the full front crossmember and full panel was replaced. Been sitting in the garage off ebay for three years and at last this time it needed replacing. Much easier than we thought.

There is something really nice keeping these things going. And as you say it's so simple.

I think the sad reality is that there are fewer and fewer people wanting to make the effort to do this stuff. Fortunately folks on MSC are not that way which is great. But I look at our family (half of which grew up with a total fix & repair culture and the other half who don't have a clue) and maybe 1 of them makes any attempt whatsoever to do any such work. They prefer replace with new or near new, or scrap things! There just isn't that affection that you rightly describe. Hard to understand and it's not just cars, it seems be everything.

The 94 K11 is rock solid. We had been talking about sponsoring the grandson to learn to drive in it ... pay for car, lessons, insurance etc, show how to fix, maintain. It sounded a robust thing to do. The other grandparent then decided it was not good enough and that he will be having a Peugeot 107. All very lovely but totally undermining the whole value, knowledge and self sufficiency curve. And of course the 107 they will get at that price point will cost an arm in repairs going forward that will done by a garage. He did the same trick with an old 308 a few years back which looked good but cost thousands. The Micra in parallel just kept going at near zero coat or any reliability issues. People just don't get it. Unfortunately it seems be the norm.

 

[Bogwoppit]

Nothing really to say except for quite a sad fact ;( EVERY SINGLE year there is around 8000-12000 less Micra k11s on the road (yes that means we are losing on average 25 a day) Just 5-10 years ago they seemed MUCH more abundant then they are now (though testimony to their reliability I still see quite a decent amount of them, especially in London). Nevertheless, I've recently started tracking their figures plus looking at data from a few years back and as recently as 2018 there were over 80000 of them registered and probably roaming the streets (not 100% sure if this included SORNed ones) however in 2019 this dropped to I believe around 65000-70000 with around 50000 of them being taxed and registered to drive (not SORNed), as of 2020 this dropped to 40000 in driving condition and the most recent data shows that by the end of 2021 just over 30000 licensed Micra's are actively driving on our streets (plus many SORNed ones). This is ESPECIALLY important as it means we need to get serious about conserving as many Micra's as possible and ensuring they start ending up in the right hands, though albeit they may be reliable minus some rust and poor maintenance related issues at this rate of disposal/export they could still rapidly become (or be at risk of becoming) an endangered species in the UK within just the next few years. The good news is that from what I see its almost never mechanical issues (instead rust, improper maintenance/exploitation, major defects, emissions fails, bad luck, wear and tear, general mot fails, costly repairs etc. killing them off). Hope this opened the eyes of particularly hardcore Micra fans and has given us a reality check about how this ain't no joke anymore. Correct me if i'm wrong but from what I've noticed it seems that at least 50% of Micra owners tend to be young lads beginning their driving career or elderly pensioners close to ending their driving career or if not that then they are middle aged female drivers. The pre-facelift ones have seen a massive dip in abundance IMO however on a positive note based on available data the Micra K11 survival rate is pretty neat (approx. 20-25% of them soldier on after 20 years with an average scrapping age of i'd say 17-18 years however the mk1 Yaris fares better at around 25-50% still roaming the streets after 20 years however they both dominate compared to most other cars). Here is enough info that EVERYONE fascinated with Nissan Micra's should know, LONG LIVE THE ABSOLUTELY BOMBPROOF-RELIABLE NISSAN MICRA K11!!! Btw reference websites for the data include CarLogBook, How Many Left plus a few Micra K11 related articles and webpages...

Had a preface lift, and now have 2 facelift se, can honestly say that they are a fantastic car, folks do the same as they used to do to minis. Got a few flashes, and horn toots on my tours

 

[3706mht]

Had a preface lift, and now have 2 facelift se, can honestly say that they are a fantastic car, folks do the same as they used to do to minis. Got a few flashes, and horn toots on my tours

Is true that Bogwoppit. I don't think I ever had a car that people occasionally smile at. Our 94 K11 in like a frog green gets that response every now and again. Is really cool feeling when it happens.

I'm also getting a regular know on the door from folks asking if we want to sell it. It used to maybe once a year. Now I'd say once a month. And these people mean it. They seem proper enthusiasts. Always feel a bit bad when I politely decline and say maybe one day.

Ironically the more I get asked, the more I think I'm deep down inclined to keep it till the wheels fall off. Not that that seems be any time soon.

 

[epicrafter924]

Would like to see that link. Very interesting.

Ours is a 94 pre facelift and just had it's normal MOT run this week. Lots of small normal gripes and at last the full front crossmember and full panel was replaced. Been sitting in the garage off ebay for three years and at last this time it needed replacing. Much easier than we thought.

There is something really nice keeping these things going. And as you say it's so simple.

I think the sad reality is that there are fewer and fewer people wanting to make the effort to do this stuff. Fortunately folks on MSC are not that way which is great. But I look at our family (half of which grew up with a total fix & repair culture and the other half who don't have a clue) and maybe 1 of them makes any attempt whatsoever to do any such work. They prefer replace with new or near new, or scrap things! There just isn't that affection that you rightly describe. Hard to understand and it's not just cars, it seems be everything.

The 94 K11 is rock solid. We had been talking about sponsoring the grandson to learn to drive in it ... pay for car, lessons, insurance etc, show how to fix, maintain. It sounded a robust thing to do. The other grandparent then decided it was not good enough and that he will be having a Peugeot 107. All very lovely but totally undermining the whole value, knowledge and self sufficiency curve. And of course the 107 they will get at that price point will cost an arm in repairs going forward that will done by a garage. He did the same trick with an old 308 a few years back which looked good but cost thousands. The Micra in parallel just kept going at near zero coat or any reliability issues. People just don't get it. Unfortunately it seems be the norm.

https://www.youtube.com/user/jameschampion77 Here's the dude

 

[3706mht]

https://www.youtube.com/user/jameschampion77 Here's the dude

Nice one, thanks for that. Yeah these things need to be preserved. They are just too good to allow them to rot.

he panels are still out there. Good welders can be hard to come by. But it's worth the effort and a little cost.

Interesting that there are proper research papers done by folks like Berners Lee at Oxford that absolutely show that old, well maintained vehicles like these and diesel 106's are way more efficient and environmentally efficient (in terms on lifetime CO2) than any new Tesla etc. The principle being, make an old efficient, clean car last longer and you cough out less lifetime CO2 than making a brand new Tesla. How cool is that?

 

[epicrafter924]

Nice one, thanks for that. Yeah these things need to be preserved. They are just too good to allow them to rot.

he panels are still out there. Good welders can be hard to come by. But it's worth the effort and a little cost.

Interesting that there are proper research papers done by folks like Berners Lee at Oxford that absolutely show that old, well maintained vehicles like these and diesel 106's are way more efficient and environmentally efficient (in terms on lifetime CO2) than any new Tesla etc. The principle being, make an old efficient, clean car last longer and you cough out less lifetime CO2 than making a brand new Tesla. How cool is that?

To think that vehicles such as these and especially 106 diesels could be more efficient and eco-friendly that newer vehicles just shows how reluctant (some) people should be to dispose of their old bangers if they are capable of maintaining them well enough in the long term... but yeah I think on a K11 rust can be sorted with enough effort and a few components changed and i bet these can easily ply on beyond 30 years (and 1,000,000 miles)!

 

[FoxtrotF]

To think that vehicles such as these and especially 106 diesels could be more efficient and eco-friendly that newer vehicles just shows how reluctant (some) people should be to dispose of their old bangers if they are capable of maintaining them well enough in the long term... but yeah I think on a K11 rust can be sorted with enough effort and a few components changed and i bet these can easily ply on beyond 30 years (and 1,000,000 miles)!

And ppl on countries with not nearly as much rust problems as you guys in the UK can easily keep them rust free for over 30 years easily. Mine hits the 30 year landmark in a few months, with the only part rusted the boot due to a badly repaired hit by the previous owner, and it has sat outside for the past 5 years or more. Good body work once and keeping an eye on it makes them last long, having a garage makes them last forever.

 

[3706mht]

To think that vehicles such as these and especially 106 diesels could be more efficient and eco-friendly that newer vehicles just shows how reluctant (some) people should be to dispose of their old bangers if they are capable of maintaining them well enough in the long term... but yeah I think on a K11 rust can be sorted with enough effort and a few components changed and i bet these can easily ply on beyond 30 years (and 1,000,000 miles)!

I have to confess, I'm likely get an EV within the next year but (and a big but) my Micra will carry on in parallel. It's just too good not to. Gets laughed at by the neighbours but who cares. Other people love it and a couple of times a month I'm asked if I want to sell it. Maybe I mentioned this early in the thread.

 

[3706mht]

And ppl on countries with not nearly as much rust problems as you guys in the UK can easily keep them rust free for over 30 years easily. Mine hits the 30 year landmark in a few months, with the only part rusted the boot due to a badly repaired hit by the previous owner, and it has sat outside for the past 5 years or more. Good body work once and keeping an eye on it makes them last long, having a garage makes them last forever.

The big 30. Blimey yours older than mine. Problem is with Micras is that some users concentrated on the polish, the gear knob, steering wheel and tinted glass more than the front cross member, inner sills, outer sills and rear mud flap inner mounts It's less sexy looking at those.

Mine's had a good deal of welding and needs some every couple of years but that's the worst of it.

 

[Micra Champ]

https://www.youtube.com/user/jameschampion77 Here's the dude

I am that dude!!! I still have the ‘94 pre-facelift Micra with 451,000 miles on the clock, and now a 2000 one with 69,000 kms (it’s a continental left hand drive one). The newer one has a problem in that the engine check light keeps coming on. Changed the oxygen sensor and the MAF sensor, but still no luck, although it drives much better since the change. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks!!

 

[3706mht]

I am that dude!!! I still have the ‘94 pre-facelift Micra with 451,000 miles on the clock, and now a 2000 one with 69,000 kms (it’s a continental left hand drive one). The newer one has a problem in that the engine check light keeps coming on. Changed the oxygen sensor and the MAF sensor, but still no luck, although it drives much better since the change. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks!!

Total respect sir. 451k that's impressive and you absolutely have to get to get it to the half million mark .... even if I help you with the next service or repair!

Mine the same age but with less than 100K on the clock. A mere youngster.

That one you have is the stuff of legend. Seriously, why do we not keep these things going the distance the way you have.

 

[epicrafter924]

I am that dude!!! I still have the ‘94 pre-facelift Micra with 451,000 miles on the clock, and now a 2000 one with 69,000 kms (it’s a continental left hand drive one). The newer one has a problem in that the engine check light keeps coming on. Changed the oxygen sensor and the MAF sensor, but still no luck, although it drives much better since the change. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks!!

You need to get it to (at the very least) half a million miles . The issue in the other Micra could mean it is the right time to visit a diagnostics centre as they will have a machine/device (maybe even one that u can own yourself) which can diagnose the fault triggering the check engine light

 

[Micare]

One major threat to the survival of any car is having no available parts.
When I bought the car, I knew that it needed the water tank to feed the cooling system as it had a hole on it, as all the others I looked for in the scrapyards. I thought that I could get one in new condition at the corner shop, not very expensive. No way. Called Nissan and it was very expensive, something like 50 or 70€. I had to buy it directly from China. The radiator, that I found then that had a hole too, yes, was available everywhere.
Then, when I needed a new distributor (after dismantling and trying to sort it out), not even Nissan had it anymore. So, in a situation like this, any "normal" person would sell the car to a scrapyard. But I digged and digged and found a few available... in China, of course.

So, just to say that even if a car is strong and reliable, if there's no parts available to fix it when it needs, it will mostly end his life even if the rest is fine.

 

[epicrafter924]

One major threat to the survival of any car is having no available parts.
When I bought the car, I knew that it needed the water tank to feed the cooling system as it had a hole on it, as all the others I looked for in the scrapyards. I thought that I could get one in new condition at the corner shop, not very expensive. No way. Called Nissan and it was very expensive, something like 50 or 70€. I had to buy it directly from China. The radiator, that I found then that had a hole too, yes, was available everywhere.
Then, when I needed a new distributor (after dismantling and trying to sort it out), not even Nissan had it anymore. So, in a situation like this, any "normal" person would sell the car to a scrapyard. But I digged and digged and found a few available... in China, of course.

So, just to say that even if a car is strong and reliable, if there's no parts available to fix it when it needs, it will mostly end his life even if the rest is fine.

That is indeed a valid point, we can agree on one thing though that is if we took pretty much all issues aside and just left the mechanical aspect of the K11 Micra, I bet there could be WAY more, perhaps several times more than ~30000 K11 Micra's (in driving condition) left on our roads considering their solid reputation for reliability!!! Though they fare pretty well anyway especially compared to other vehicles as when I checked after 20 years of service approximately 21.5% of them remain registered. Rust aside, the Micra's reliability spans well back into the 80s where they later showed OUTSTANDING survival rates, like as much as tenfold, compared to e.g. fords, austins, fiats etc.

 

[Micare]

That is indeed a valid point, we can agree on one thing though that is if we took pretty much all issues aside and just left the mechanical aspect of the K11 Micra, I bet there could be WAY more, perhaps several times more than ~30000 K11 Micra's (in driving condition) left on our roads considering their solid reputation for reliability!!! Though they fare pretty well anyway especially compared to other vehicles as when I checked after 20 years of service approximately 21.5% of them remain registered. Rust aside, the Micra's reliability spans well back into the 80s where they later showed OUTSTANDING survival rates, like as much as tenfold, compared to e.g. fords, austins, fiats etc.

Yes but that's a big IF. Manufacturers don't make parts forever also because the vast majority of people don't want to keep their cars forever and some of the few that wanted to keep them, don't do it because of the lack of parts. So, just the DIY people or those who has a friend at the old school repair shop will keep them. But that's the nature of things. The good thing is, as the number of cars shortens, the more special and valuable they get.

 

[epicrafter924]

Yes but that's a big IF. Manufacturers don't make parts forever also because the vast majority of people don't want to keep their cars forever and some of the few that wanted to keep them, don't do it because of the lack of parts. So, just the DIY people or those who has a friend at the old school repair shop will keep them. But that's the nature of things. The good thing is, as the number of cars shortens, the more special and valuable they get.

Agreed, that's exactly why websites like MSC exist ?

 

[3706mht]

Yes but that's a big IF. Manufacturers don't make parts forever also because the vast majority of people don't want to keep their cars forever and some of the few that wanted to keep them, don't do it because of the lack of parts. So, just the DIY people or those who has a friend at the old school repair shop will keep them. But that's the nature of things. The good thing is, as the number of cars shortens, the more special and valuable they get.

Is definitely getting harder source some bits. Most are still bread and butter.

Not Micra but a good example .... the 106 I've leant long term to our Ukrainian guest to get to work etc .... started making a blowing noise. Odd. Took it to our exhaust place and they said exhaust manifold gone!

Could I find one? Loads with an ERG valve, none without. Eventually found one on ebay. They shipped it. Perfect and cheap. Shot blast it, heat painted it. Then actually looked at the manifold. Over 28 years ALL the nuts had shook off bar one!!!! One nut holding the entire manifold on!

But also getting the gasket for same .... not so easy. Plenty can be found but on ebay and from Germany or Lithuania, I forget which. None in the UK. Seemed odd. Anyway did the job and running a treat and of course the old manifold going back on ebay. Someone somewhere needs one.

Back to Micra's .... had a fuse melt and burn through the fuse box by the battery. I still have a search on ebay for a new fuse holder with loom fitting. Been looking now for two years whilst a horrible work round wire holds it all together. Some bits definitely getting hard to find.

 

[FoxtrotF]

One major threat to the survival of any car is having no available parts.
When I bought the car, I knew that it needed the water tank to feed the cooling system as it had a hole on it, as all the others I looked for in the scrapyards. I thought that I could get one in new condition at the corner shop, not very expensive. No way. Called Nissan and it was very expensive, something like 50 or 70€. I had to buy it directly from China. The radiator, that I found then that had a hole too, yes, was available everywhere.
Then, when I needed a new distributor (after dismantling and trying to sort it out), not even Nissan had it anymore. So, in a situation like this, any "normal" person would sell the car to a scrapyard. But I digged and digged and found a few available... in China, of course.

So, just to say that even if a car is strong and reliable, if there's no parts available to fix it when it needs, it will mostly end his life even if the rest is fine.

Wow, in Europe is pretty easy to get most of the stuff. The expansion bottle, yeah, from China. 15€, so worth the wait. Scrapyards still have loads of Micras, even if they scrap them fast and don't let enough time to really get them stripped. However, plenty distributors, throttle bodies and other common stuff available.

 

[3706mht]

Wow, in Europe is pretty easy to get most of the stuff. The expansion bottle, yeah, from China. 15€, so worth the wait. Scrapyards still have loads of Micras, even if they scrap them fast and don't let enough time to really get them stripped. However, plenty distributors, throttle bodies and other common stuff available.

Is rare see a K11 in a yard round our way now. Used to be you'd see 4 of them at a time. Same with MK1 106 .... very rare now.

 

[moonmoths]

I'm guilty of letting one sit in a garage for some time now (hangs head in shame), a K11 Tempest in Teal blue, the pump went on it plus also it was giving me headaches and black snot from fumes! Drum brakes will have seized by now. If any one wants it for a project or spares, let me know, I'm based in Birmingham! I'm not prepared to run back and forth constantly the 10 miles it is to where it is stored to sell bits here and there.

I'm running an 01 with 149'000 on the clock, spent a lot on it and last time I had it MOT'd I said to my garage boss "May be a good time to sell it?" he said you're joking you've got at least a couple years cheap motoring there compared to modern cars and the costs of repairing and replacing parts, hang onto it! It does have some kind of driver side oil leak that gets up the side of the block & heats up to create fumes, garage quoted me around £400 to find and fix the problem. i want to run it and do occasionally with all windows and sunroof open when I can't use the Mrs 06 Micra.

Her family where Micra nuts and they have always been on the plus side so she said it was a tight squeeze between her chubby bros in the back as a child!